I enjoyed this story, with a few caveats. First, as with all historical fiction I read, I appreciate the opportunity to learn and gain insight into people, cultures, and events is the past that I otherwise would be unfamiliar with. With this book, I learned a little about 16th century Spain, colonial Mexico, and the Inquisition.

However, I didn't feel "transported" back to the time, as the historical details felt superficial and the voices of the characters too modern. The language was particularly jarring for me, although I do feel that this was intentional by the author, rather than an oversight. Just not my cup of tea. Nevertheless, I always enjoy learning about something new, and the story itself was engaging.

Emancipated Woman Throws Herself to Inquisition Because of Sinful Behavior

Bigotry, racism, elitist classism, and overt discrimination in 16th C. Spanish culture feature in Erika Rummel’s historical fiction, “What They Said About Luisa,” set in Seville and various locales in Mexico during the Inquisition.

The title of this novel expresses the storyline of this non-linear saga about real-life Luisa Abrego—a mixed-race woman and her struggles before and after freedom from slavery. Each chapter is a different person’s perspective of Luisa’s journey in self-discovery and acceptance.

Luisa is a woman of few words—and men are attracted to her silence. They also describe her countenance as beautiful, as well as her decorum and singing as ‘saintly.”

However, most women feel just the opposite. They see Luisa as a lascivious low-caste wench. Although she may not overtly expose her breasts or body to attract attention, women comment that Luisa seductively waggles her hips and shimmies when she walks to entice men.

As demonstrated above, readers are told what others think and see about Luisa’s life, rather than hear from Luisa firsthand, in her own words. Rommel also does a lot more telling in “Luisa” rather than showing. Consequently, the book is neither dialogue nor action driven. It’s mainly an expository tale that gets repetitive at times.

Since “Luisa” is historical fiction, I’m not certain how accurate the facts are in this story regarding slavery and colonialism. However, it was refreshing to have an Inquisition member represented as questioning of the practice and tolerant—although that’s probably real fiction. In Luisa’s circumstances, since she believed herself guilty of an unpardonable sin and turned herself in to the Inquisition, this was definitely in her best interests.

JoyReaderGirl1 graciously thanks NetGalley, Author Erika Rummel, and Publisher Dundurn Press for this advanced reader’s copy (ARC) for review.

Thank you NetGalley for an early copy. This is definitely a slow-burn and character driven book. The chapters are divided by a character who speaks of their time with Luisa over the course of 20 years or so. The history around the 1500’s in Spain and the making of the Spanish Inquisition.
I enjoyed how the author provided different perspectives from each character from slave/master to priest and Nun with their flaws. Also, how the “Church” used their higher power to shame and greedily take and take from the people. However, their position can easily fall without having what the most poor have, the love of a family.

Possible spoiler below:
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When I finished the last chapter, I pondered on the fact that there was not a chapter or an epilogue from Luisa herself. I am sure the author intended it to be this way for us, the reader to be able to form a perspective from our point of view. Overall, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"What They Said About Luisa" serves as a captivating historical novel penned by Erika Rummel, which chronicles the extraordinary journey of Luisa Abrego, a remarkable woman who frees herself from the shackles of slavery in Seville after her master's demise.

Luisa Abrego, an actual historical figure from colonial Spain, found herself enslaved in Seville, where her master impregnated her before his passing.

Determined to forge a new path, Luisa embarks on an arduous voyage across treacherous seas and uncharted landscapes, braving countless trials and tribulations. Their ultimate destination is Mexico, where they aspire to acquire land for silver mining. However, their plans are beset by further challenges when their caravan falls prey to attack by Indigenous warriors. Throughout these tumultuous circumstances, Luisa's illegitimate child is nurtured and cared for by the benevolent nuns of St. Ursula.

Within the captivating pages of this novel, themes of freedom, identity, and the unique struggles faced by women in this colonial era unfold with profound depth.

Erika Rummel, the visionary author and historian, crafts a vivid and poignant narrative by ingeniously avoiding the traditional first- or third-person perspective, instead choosing to manifest the voices of the eyewitnesses who crossed paths with Luisa. This ingenious writing technique allows each of the eleven chapters to present Luisa's story from a different external vantage point, presenting a rich tapestry of perspectives. While some of these narrators harbor empathy for Luisa, others are unwaveringly hostile, notably her former master's wife.

Rummel's decision to keep Luisa's thoughts veiled proves thought-provoking, reminding readers that her true essence remains obscured. The intricate web of conflicting testimonies invites readers to form their interpretations of Luisa's experiences and character. By casting doubt on the reliability of these narratives, Rummel subtly underscores the racial biases and pervasive influence of the Christian church within society.

These discernable influences render the accounts of Luisa's witnesses somewhat dubious, requiring readers to exercise discernment. Nevertheless, amid the fluctuating perspectives, Luisa's genuine character and benevolence shine through. Rummel artfully breathes life into each character, delving deep into their innermost thoughts, emotions, and motivations. Through meticulous research, the author seamlessly integrates Luisa's existence within the historical fabric of the era, fashioning an authentic and immersive portrayal of the time and place. This enchanting and engaging tale ensures that readers become wholly invested in Luisa's arduous journey and the formidable challenges she must overcome.

Luisa's significance resides in her captivating tale, which illuminates the trials of women, particularly those of color, during the colonial era. Her narrative also showcases the intricate nature of identity and liberation within a time when slavery still reigned.

Erika Rummel's magnificent novel presents a fictionalized rendition of Luisa's life, drawing inspiration from actual trial records of the remarkable woman from the sixteenth century. This mesmerizing account unveils the enigmatic protagonist, simultaneously alluring and silent, modest yet determined, evoking profound emotions within anyone who encounters her extraordinary destiny. It is through this distinctive storytelling approach that the author cultivates genuine empathy towards the central character, who faces numerous prejudices. Rummel masterfully weaves together each narrative, skillfully avoiding repetition, and building towards a subtle crescendo, ultimately culminating in the profoundly moving final two chapters.

In conclusion, I wholeheartedly commend Rummel for her exceptional work in this literary masterpiece. Undeniably, it is a book that deserves to be cherished and experienced.

What they said about Luisa is a historical novel that is intriguing both for its subject and its narrative approach.

An elusive heroine

As far as the subject is concerned, the novel is based on the life of a woman who actually lived in the 16th century, but about whom very little is known. Born a slave in Seville, Luisa Abrega is made pregnant by her master. When the latter dies and grants her freedom in his will - along with a small sum of money, Luisa has to create a new life for herself. But what can a single mother and former slave expect in a society governed by Catholicism and a strict social and racial hierarchy?

When a lonely old sailor offers to marry her in exchange for the promise of a new life in Mexico, she accepts. This was actually the first known marriage between a white man and a mulatto woman in 16th-century Spain. The year is 1565 and the couple embarks on a perilous voyage across the Atlantic. Successes and failures are in store. But above all, Luisa finds herself on trial before the Spanish Inquisition in Mexico... an ordeal from which she will emerge transformed.

A range of points of view

Rather than relying on a classic first- or third-person novel that takes her heroine's point of view, the author - and historian - Erika Rummel makes the bold choice never to communicate her heroine's thoughts to the reader. Each of the eleven chapters tells Luisa's story roughly chronologically, but above all from the point of view of an outside witness. While some of these narrators feel empathy for Luisa, several of them are resolutely hostile to her, such as the wife of her former master.

The result is an elusive heroine, at once sensual and mute, humble and determined, whose extraordinary destiny leaves no one indifferent. Far from being frustrating, this narrative approach allows the reader to feel real empathy with the main character who is prey to a multitude of prejudices. The author manages to make each account complementary, avoiding repetition, with a subtle crescendo that culminates in the last two chapters, which are particularly moving. Definitely worth the read!

Luisa of Seville led a fascinating life. From her early life as a slave in Spain, to her journey to Mexico after gaining her freedom, this soft spoken woman had everyone talking about her.

I loved this book. We get to hear from so many of the people Luisa encounters in her life, and what they think of her, but we never hear from Luisa herself. Such a neat way to write about a character. This was a quick read because I did not want to put it down. Absolutely a unique and highly enjoyable read.
Look for it May 21 2024
Thank you to @dundurnpress and @netgalley for letting me review this fantastic story.
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Although this book was different than what I was expecting, I enjoyed the format and the way the story was written was well done. I expected a story in the first person as many historical fiction novels are written, instead this book is told through the view point of several other characters about the main character Luisa. It follows her journey from a mulatto slave who is freed by her master upon his death to the silver mines in Mexico and then her return to Spain. There are a few surprises toward the end of the story that I did not expect and kept me reading to find out how the story ends up. It is a entertaining rags to riches story based on a true historical figure. As an avid reader of historical fiction the silver mines of Mexico and the expansion of the Inquisition across the ocean is a subject I have not read about before and this book was very enlightening on the subject. Thank you to the author and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book

This book was a well-written history of Luisa Abrego, an emancipated slave whose previous owner bequeathed her her freedom and 100 ducats, which was evidently a large sum of money, upon his death. He had pregnant her and she had given birth to a son. When she met Jorge Abrego, she was caring for an elderly couple. He proposed to her and planned to take her to Mexico to dig for silver in Zacatecas. But he refused to take the infant since the boat voyage would be too dangerous for his health. They had married, and she decided to talk with her priest, Don Fernando, about finding a place for the baby to stay.

Luisa Abrego led a fascinating life, making this book difficult to put down. Erika Rummel keeps us intrigued in how she will voice the following chapter by exposing us to a fresh pov each chapter, especially because each pov introduces us to a new character. This was definitely my favorite aspect of the novel; each chapter had a unique voice that was unlike the prior chapters. Let me give you an example: the first chapter is told by a widow who despises Luisa and used to be her boss. This is followed by the priest's point of view, who plainly does not dislike Luisa and only wants to help.

Erika Rummel made it impossible to know what Luisa was thinking by giving us those kinds of perspectives, even though she was the major character. Rummel notes in her remark that we will never know what passed through Luisa's thoughts, therefore I thought this was a great touch. Nonetheless, I believe her character and generosity shone through the entire novel, and even if some people thought of Luisa in some manner, I believe all the narrators being a little bit untrustworthy helps us to make our own thoughts and conclusions about what transpired.

By being untrustworthy, I mean that their perspectives on Luisa were tainted by her being a woman of color and the Christian church's huge impact on their thoughts. Because these things were made evident, it made it a little more difficult to accept what these folks were saying, but, as I previously stated, Luisa's true personality always shone through.

Finally, I believe Rummel did an outstanding job with this book. I was truly interested in this book, primarily since it would discuss my ancestors and my homeland, but I had no clue how much I would enjoy it or how good it would be.

This was such a unique and well written historical fiction book about a person I had never heard of before. I enjoyed getting to read about Luisa, and I liked that the trial records were used to make this book. Erika Rummel does a fantastic job in writing this and left me wanting more.

I'm not going to describe the plot of this novel as I am sure anyone is capable of reading the synopsis. What I can say is that I particularly enjoyed the way it was written. I don't think I've ever read any novel where the action revolves around a certain character, yet we never get to see their own perspective -- we only draw conclusions from everyone else's views (other characters that have interacted with Luisa).
I think this was extremely well-written. I never felt like I was getting bored or that I was wasting time reading endless descriptions of this or that. Everything was straight to the point.
I also appreciated the different tone from one character to the next, which was really interesting. I know that authors are capable of this, but it's like Erika Rummel identified herself with a priest in one chapter, a heartless corrupt entrepreneur in another, or a surprisingly profound sailor, in yet another.
All I can say is that I'm very interested in trying out other titles from this author. No wonder she's an accomplished historian!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me a free copy of this book for review.

What They Said About Luisa was a well-written history of Luisa Abrego, an emancipated slave who's former owner, upon his death, left her her freedom and 100 ducats, which was apparently a great deal of money. She had been impregnated by him and gave birth to a little boy. She had been caring for an older couple when she met Jorge Abrego. He proposed to her and wanted to take her to Zacatecas, Mexico to mine for silver. But he didn't want to take the baby because the boat trip would be too harmful to his health. They were married and she decided to consult her priest, Don Fernando, about finding lodging for the baby. He suggested the nunnery. So she paid them to care for the baby for 4 years.

When Louisa and Jorge arrived in Zacatecas they we're acosted by Indians and one of them took Luisa. She took a knife to him and she killed him. She bore a tremendous amount of guilt for that kill.

When they arrived at their land they set up their mining business. They were very successful, but Luisa's guilt wouldn't let her rest.

There was a law that stated that if anyone committed bigamy they were to be imprisoned. Luisa had been proposed to before but that person went off and married someone else. Being engaged was considered a marriage if it was consummated. While they had not consummated their union, Luisa insisted on being imprisoned. It was thought that the real reason she wanted to go to prison was to pay for killing the Indian. So to prison she went.

While she was away, Jorge and his hired hand, Chula, we're working in the mine when there was an avalanche. Chula died and it was thought that Jorge died too. In the meantime, Luisa got word that Jorge was dead. Her case was reviewed before the inquisition and she was absolved. She was asked if she wanted to go back to Zacatecas as she was in Mexico City. But all she wanted to do was go back to Spain from wince she came and retrieve her baby. It was at this time that she learned that her previous owner had set up a trust for her and the baby. So she went back, bought a house and opened a candle store. She had previously arranged for the nunnery to keep her child another 4 years.

While the nunnery had her son, they had grossly mistreated him. And they had eventually sold him to a man who beat him and who had branded him on his face. When the Reverend mother found out that Luisa wanted him back, she retrieved him and when Luisa picked him up, the Reverend mother had coached him to tell her that he had been kicked in the face by a mule. Luisa had not yet told him that he was her son but he was told that she was adopting him. Up to that point he hadn't had a name so Luisa named him Diego after her previous owner.

As it turned out, Jorge had survived the collapse and he was nursed back to health by Chulo's grandmother.

Kindhearted and shy Louisa was a mystery but the author had a way of drawing her out and really bringing the reader into her presence. And Luisa made history. She was a mulatta and she was the first in the history of the United States to be in an integrated marriage, for she married a white man.

I wasn't that thrilled with the end of the book. There was a lot that went unsaid. I wanted to know that Luisa learned the truth about Diego's face and all the other horrible things they did to him, and that somehow the Reverend mother was held accountable. Nevertheless, I gave the book five stars. And while I know this book is a work of fiction, Luisa Abrego was a very real person.

If you´ve never heard about Luisa Abrego, let me tell you a little bit about her; she was raised as a slave, lived in Seville, and got married to a Spanish solider back in 1565. This marriage was maybe not the first, but at least the first one in the eyes of the law, to happen between an interracial couple.


For me, to know that this book was about her, was more than interesting enough to pick it up. This book tells us Luisa´s story through the eyes of people who either hated her or loved her, and although some of the events mentioned in the book are fiction (or at least as far as I know), this does not erase the fact that this is Luisa´s story.

Luisa Abrego lived a more than interesting life, making this book impossible to put down. By introducing us to a different pov each chapter, Erika Rummel keeps us interested in how she will voice the next chapter, especially since each pov is an introduction to a new character. This is probably what I liked most about the book; each chapter had a new, fresh voice, that wasn´t anything like the previous chapters. Let me set an example: the first chapter is narrated by a widow, that hates Luisa and used to be her master. This point of view is then followed by the one of the priest, who clearly does not hate Luisa and only wants to help.

By giving us those kinds of perspectives, Erika Rummel made it impossible to know what Luisa was thinking, even if she was the main character. I think this was a pretty nice detail, since in her note, Rummel states that we will never know what went through Luisa´s mind. Even so, I think her character and her kindness shined through the whole book, and even if some people thought of Luisa in some way, I think all the narrators being a little bit unreliable allows us to form our own thoughts and opinions about what happened.

By being unreliable, I mean that their opinions on Luisa was tainted by her being a woman of color, and because of the heavy influence the Christian church had on their thoughts. By having these things clear, it makes it a little bit harder to trust what these characters were saying, but, like I said before, Luisa´s real personality always shined through.

Finally, I think Rummel did an incredible job with this book. I was genuinely intrigued by this book, mostly because it would talk about my ancestors and my land, but I really had no idea how much I would enjoy it and how good it would be.

Thank you NetGalley for the arc!

Rating: ★★★★★

Thank you NetGalley and Dundurn Press for providing me with an ARC of this novel. This is my first read by Erika Rummel and was very intrigued by her writing. This is a historical fiction about the little known life of Luisa Abrego around the time of the Spanish Inquisition. Her story is told by many different characters, and we never hear from Liusa herself. While is was an interesting read, it feel short for me. There were just too many characters and not enough Liusa.

This book is about a little known historical figure during the Spanish Inquisition. The author chose to sketch her further by giving voice to everyone but her in this book. On the one hand, I admired the approach but on the other, I kept feeling like I was waiting to meet Louisa each page I turned. The book is well written though but at times the voices seemed to be more modern than the time period. I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to @dundurnpress and NetGalley for an ARC of this book! The cover intrigued me, and I’m not one to pass up a book about a rebellious woman in history. What They Said About Luisa is exactly that - what a group of people in late 1500s Spain and Mexico had to say about Luisa Abrego, a formally enslaved woman who moves to Mexico with her husband and is put on trial in the Inquisition for bigamy. The details of Luisa’s story unravel in quite an interesting way through the different accounts, and I can say I can’t remember reading a book like this before. It’s really unique. I will say, by the time we get to the trial, I found myself wanting to hear more and more from some of the earlier characters. We never hear from Luisa, hence the title, which works until it feels like we “run out” of characters. The chapters concerning Luisa’s son’s history didn’t work for me, (especially Luisa’s son, who felt unbelievably mature for a child of his age who had been through such immense trauma) and not all of the voices felt like I was reading about 1500s Spain. But that did make the book an accessible read and i was always intrigued to learn more about Luisa as the book progressed. I enjoyed reading this and recommend it to anyone interested in diving deeper into the politics of the Inquisition!

What They Said About Luisa is possibly one of the best historical novels I have read this year! Rummell is an extremely skilled writer when it comes to both characterization and plot, and her writing seems to ebb and flow at just the right times. A treat to read!

This book was wonderfully written. With so many details and thoughtful character development, it really felt as though you were in the 16th century while reading it. Highly recommend.

Based on sixteenth century trial records of Luisa Abrego of Seville, Erika Rummel brings to life her story and the people who touched her life. Slavery, emancipation, motherhood, broken promises, marriage, and Spanish inquisition, Luisa has been through it all in this engrossing novel. This very engaging piece brings to life the hardships endured in those trying times. It is an interesting, well-researched, historical novel with quite a bit of factual information craftly incorporated into this work of fiction. A wonderful read

This book was paced really well, and the story was just so rich with history. I really felt like I was in the 16th century! Amazing writing.

What They Said About Luisa is an illuminating novel of historical fiction set in Seville, Spain during the 16th century and the Spanish Inquisition. This refreshing story begins with Luisa Albrego a slave who is emancipated and inherits some money after the death of her master. Even with a bit of money, Luisa, who is pregnant, has limited options and takes local service work to survive. Her work allows her to take care of her infant son within the home of an elderly couple she provides care for. She meets and decides to marry a white man who convinces her to sail with him to Mexico where they will mine for silver on a plot of land they arrange to buy. Luisa knows it is too risky to bring her young son on the sea crossing so she puts him into the care of a local church until the time she can send for him.
From Spain, across the sea to Mexico, and into her new life and beyond we learn of the trials she faces. We learn of an encounter with indigenous people that changes her life and sets her on an emotional odyssey. The author paints a vivid landscape of life in Zacatecas Mexico during the 1500's and the impact of prejudice, religion, and race on those who attempt to make a new life there.
The most gratifying aspect of this novel is that the reader learns of Luisa's story not in her voice, but from those she interacts with during her life journey. Their unique perspectives are voiced to the reader within the parameters of each of their own personalities, ambitions, biases, and beliefs.
Brilliantly told from multiple perspectives. This story left me searching for more information. I found I wanted more information about the Spanish Inquisition, slavery in Spain, silver mining in Mexico, and general life during the 1500's.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction and fresh voices. I'm absolutely gobsmacked.